Is Luka Doncic playing tonight? Latest injury update for Mavericks at Lakers, March 17

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was ruled out as his team is in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Friday night in a massive showdown. It will be the 24-year-old’s fourth consecutive game on the sidelines with a thigh injury that he aggravated on March 8 against the Pelicans.

The Mavs are one game up on the Lakers in the standings and have won two of the first three meetings against LA this season. With a win on Friday night, Dallas secures the tiebreaker and effectively moves three games up on the Lakers with just 11 to go. The Mavericks are one game back of sixth in the West and a guaranteed playoff spot and just 1.5 games up on 11th and missing the postseason entirely. Every game matters and fans should look at this showdown in LA as a must-win.

Here is a look at the Mavericks' full injury report for Friday’s game, Luka’s injury history, and when he might come back before taking a glance at what is next for Dallas.

Luka Doncic injury status for Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers on March 17

Doncic was officially ruled out over 24 hours before tipoff for the fourth straight game. His return to practice was positive, but the 24-year-old is just not healthy enough to play in a game yet. He is on the team’s three-game road trip and working out, so things are moving in the right direction.

Dallas Mavericks' full injury report at Los Angeles Lakers on March 17

Kyrie Irving (foot) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (calf) will play on Friday night. JaVale McGee (ankle) is a game-time decision, and Markieff Morris (knee) was ruled out about 90 minutes before tipoff. Getting Kyrie back after missing three straight games is massive for Dallas.

LeBron James remains out for the Lakers with a foot injury. He will be joined on the sidelines by Mo Bamba, who is dealing with an ankle sprain. Anthony Davis is listed as probable with a foot injury and expects to play against the Mavericks.

Luka Doncic injury history

Doncic will miss his 14th game of the season on Friday night, and fans can see his entire injury history over his five NBA career here.

When is Luka Doncic coming back?

Doncic and Kyrie Irving returned to practice on Thursday afternoon, but number 77 is just not healthy enough to play quite yet. He has missed over one week of action, and the Mavericks cannot afford to let this injury linger. Expect LD to continue his ramp-up with the hopes of playing Monday night in Memphis against the Grizzlies.

Dallas Mavericks' next 5 opponents

The Mavs wrap up a three-game road trip in Memphis on Monday night before coming home for two games next week. Dallas has a five-game road trip that starts on March 26 and includes two back-to-back sets before coming home for the final three games of the regular season.

Here is a closer look at their next five games after Friday night against the Lakers.

Monday, March 20 at Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. CT

Wednesday, March 22 vs Golden State Warriors at 6:30 p.m. CT

Friday, March 24 vs Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. CT

Sunday, March 26 at Charlotte Hornets at 12:00 p.m. CT

Monday, March 27 at Indiana Pacers at 6:00 p.m. CT